UK okays Shell’s plans to dismantle oil platform

DECC has approved Shell’s plans to remove the first of the iconic platforms in the North Sea. The energy giant started consulting on Brent Delta’s decommissioning plans in February this year. […]

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By Jacqueline Echevarria

Saturday 11 July 2015

Image: Shell

DECC has approved Shell’s plans to remove the first of the iconic platforms in the North Sea.

The energy giant started consulting on Brent Delta’s decommissioning plans in February this year.

The field stopped production in 2011.

The 24,200 tonne ‘topside’ platform will be removed in one piece by a heavily-lift dedicated vessel which will help reduce the risk, cost and environmental impact of the operation, claims Shell.

It is expected to be ready in 2016.

More than 97% of the removed material will be reused or recycled by decommissioning company Able UK.

A second decommissioning programme for the remaining infrastructure including Brent Delta’s gravity based structure, three other platforms, 140 wells and 28 pipelines, will be submitted at a later date and will be subject to a separate consultation.